Wild Horse and Burro Field Technician Position – March through September

Field technicians needed for work on wild horse and burro ecology,
March-September, 2017

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Colorado State University
(CSU) are conducting scientific research to assist the BLM in management of
free-roaming wild horses and burros on public lands. The research projects
are led by Dr. Kate Schoenecker (USGS/CSU) and Dr. Sarah King (CSU). We are
seeking field technicians for help with projects involving radio telemetry
and behavioral observations of wild horses and burros in remote sites in
Utah and Arizona. These positions provide a great opportunity to learn and
polish wildlife monitoring techniques and assist with research on wild
horses and burros. More information about our research projects can be found
at https://www.fort.usgs.gov/wildhorsepopulations

Description:
Field work in 2017 will be part of a five-year study examining the
demography and behavioral ecology of wild horses and burros in three
different Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in Utah and one in Arizona. The
successful applicants will use radio telemetry to locate wild horses or
burros to determine demographic parameters, and/or to conduct behavioral
observations. Positions available will focus on behavior and demography of
either wild horses or wild burros. There is potential for exemplary field
technicians to continue work as graduate students at CSU, pending successful
admittance to the university.

Field work will be rigorous, requiring extended hiking across all
terrains in remote areas, frequently off-trail on high slopes. Work will be
conducted under variable weather conditions at elevations above 6,000 feet,
with the potential for both extreme heat and temperatures below freezing.
Independence and a tenacious work ethic are essential. Behavioral
observations require a great deal of patience and ability to spend many
hours watching animals simply graze or rest. The positions are located in
remote field sites, necessitating excellent teamwork and flexibility, good
communication skills, and a positive attitude. Housing will be provided at
the field sites, and will consist of shared trailers, or tents. No internet
service is available in the housing, and cell service is patchy in most
locations.

We have openings for up to 6 field technicians that can commit for the
entire field season: mid-March through September 2017. There may be some
ability to truncate the season, so please state your availability in your
application, as well as your desire to work with wild horses versus wild
burros if you have a preference.

Field technicians will be employed by Colorado State University at a
salary of $14/hr.  This is an hourly position based on a 40-hour work week,
although due to the nature of field work longer work hours may be incurred.
No over time compensation is provided, and the positions are not eligible
for paid sick leave, or paid vacation.

Skills needed:
– Familiarity with use of GPS and/or map and compass.
– Maintaining and safeguarding personally assigned and project
equipment.
– Assisting in routine maintenance of housing.
-Ability to drive 4WD vehicles across varied and rugged terrain.
-Completion of necessary CSU or USGS safety courses and
certifications.
– Excellent communication skills required to remain in contact with
remote supervisor during protracted fieldwork.

Minimum qualifications:
– One year of laboratory or field research, or any equivalent
combination of experience, training and/or education.
–  A state driver¹s license valid during period of employment (any US
state).
-Ability to hike in backcountry covering 4-5 miles each day while
carrying a 35lb pack.

Preferred qualifications (in addition to above):
–  Bachelors degree in wildlife science, biology or related discipline.
– Experience with radio telemetry in field conditions.
– Experience with behavioral observations of mammals under natural
conditions.
– Understanding of animal behavior and ecology.
– Ability to manage and maintain a computer database.

To apply send both a letter of interest and resume with contact
information for two references to Sarah King at sarah.king@colostate.edu.
Clearly state how your experience qualifies you for this position, and your
availability. Deadline for receipt of applications is January 22, 2017.